Driver Education Reform Report Presentation to the Joint

Driver Education Reform Report Presentation to the Joint Appropriations Committee on Transportation March 20, 2013 Dr. Maria Pitre-Martin, Director K-12 Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Maureen Berner, UNC-School of Govt.

Brief History • OSBM Report, November 2010 • PED Review, December 2010 • SL 2011 -145, Section 28. 37 - Driver Education Reform • Previous reports made by DPI on September 18, 2012 and January 14, 2013

Standardized Curriculum • Developed, adopted and revised as directed by General Assembly • Approved by SBE in March 2011 • Revised in July 2011 to include one hour of motorcycle safety as directed by General Assembly • All LEA’s must use the curriculum

Management/Oversight • Driver Education Strategic Plan adopted by SBE, February 7, 2013 • Key areas: administration & oversight, funding, curriculum, instructor qualifications, coordination with driver licensing, parental involvement, other program improvements

Advisory Committee • Workgroup provides recommendations to DPI Consultant • DPI, DOT, DMV, DOI, GHSP, NCSHP • NCDTSEA, LEA Coordinators, In-house LEA and Commercial Driver Educators • Reviewing National Standards to guide progress

Online Pilot Project • Five LEA’s participated • February 2012 – June 2012 • 30 hours of computerized instruction, no teacher interaction • 532 students enrolled, 358 completed

UNC-SOG Evaluation Methods • Review of other national studies • Comparison of the quality of teaching mode with various performance measures • Comparison of cost information • Use of optional fee

UNC-SOG Data Literature and report review Test scores, school attended, and related teaching method for students who took the DMV knowledge test from July 1, 2010 and July 31, 2012 ( N=273, 726 students state-wide) State-wide survey of schools (N=338, 81% response rate) Selected interviews of officials in other states (California, Georgia, Florida, Indiana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Texas, and Virginia)

UNC-SOG findings • No other study of impact of different teaching modes exists • Using various measures of performance, there is little difference between teaching modes • It is too early to assess impact of NC pilot of on-line exclusive program • Comparable cost information was not available • Of those who responded to the question, (n=242), 164 schools require the fee, and of those, most require the top allowable amount of $45.

Conclusion • DPI is committed to improve Driver Education in NC • DEAC has a regular meeting schedule to advise DE Consultant • DPI and DMV has established positive communication and will coordinate efforts in licensing and instructor qualifications.